The Hasselblad 500 Series: A System Overview

[@darius9017]

the fact that i just watched a 55 minute video on a camera im probably never going to use is really a testament to how fun you made it to watch

[@jackyleecs]

Watching this in Dec 2023. Wonderful, detailed, and informative video summarising the Hasselblad V system. Something which I has been searching for online but no website offers as much information as this. Thank you! 🙂

[@jehsail1]

Well, my wife, Linda, is a retired professional/commercial photographer who OWNS this particular Hasselblad 500 CM! She even was invited by Hasselblad company in Sweden to tour the Hasselblad factory 20 years ago! I am sorry to disappoint you that the way this 500 CM Hasselblad can be more interesting if the person demonstrating it could have taken time to speak better demonstrating this iconic medium format camera film and also avilable in DIGITAL format. Linda sold the Hasselblad ELM (motorized model).

[@JonathanNotley]

Whatever you say boomer

[@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel]

I don't have a Hasselblad and I don't want to buy one but the hour of information was so interesting that I watched everything anyway 😀

[@peterbear2929]

Love your work Jonathan. Don't even have this camera but enjoyed all the explanations about a timeless piece of technology.

[@vwreid]

I worked 12 yrs using a Hasselblad. An awesome 'piece of kit'. Thanks for the refresher and update to this wonderful camera.

[@IsraelPrivateGuide]

One of the best videos on the Hassey out there. Cheers, Jonathan!

[@jacovanlith5082]

The Best !

[@Adam-pm1cy]

Just rewatched this now a year later - still the best Hasselblad V-series video - cheers!

[@romansivers]

Thank you for an incredibly helpful video! Watching this in Dec 2023. This is probably one of the most informative videos I’ve seen in a long time.

[@orro7625]

Damn, I just inherited a 501CM and have been trying to learn about it through forums and bad blog posts. This was so insightful. Thanks for putting so much time and effort.

[@nazariylevchuk3954]

Lucky

[@inikphoto]

Have two, a 500CM and 501CM, will not trade it for any other Modular Medium format camera out there, PERIOD! It’s that good!!! If you’re thinking of getting one, just do it, you won’t regret it! The other gem in the 6x6 is the Rolleiflex 2.8F which I own too, but that is a different shooting experience all together. Great Video! really informative! Cheers

[@john_murch]

This is probably the most thorough Hasselblad breakdown that I've seen. I've owned a focal plane type Hasselblad (2000 FC/M) for about 3 years and I've built up a pretty good system. I would also mention that you can add close-up filters (Proxar) and 1.4X/2.0X tele-extenders to expand your focal range. The close-up filters are especially useful as you can focus much closer for tighter portraits or macro shots without any need for exposure compensation calculations. Good job!

[@chriscorey5164]

Absolutely fantastic video. I finally was able to get a 500 c/m after dreaming about it for a very long time. This video was extremely helpful in helping me to get comfortable with my camera and not be intimidated by it. I can’t thank enough for the information. I will be referring back to this often as I get more more experience.

[@timcmiles]

Just purchased a 500cx! This was very helpful! Thanks for taking the time to put this together! Very much appreciated! I am looking forward to getting acquainted with my Hassy!

[@JonathanNotley]

Glad it helped!

[@jimwlouavl]

Thanks for making such a detailed video about a classic example of precision engineering and manufacturing. I’d love one just because of the history.

[@CarlyWaarly]

Been a user of V system since 1975 now updated with CFV digital back! Terrific camera, not just for studio, whilst other photographers were using 35mm for sports and location we were using Hasselblads for sports with flash! Terrific camera and a classic! Have a few of these cameras with most of the lenses, even preferred this over the new H systems so stuck with them.

[@edinburghtumuran916]

This is the most comprehensive review of the iconic Hasselblad 500 Series! You nailed it Buddy! Up to the last detail! Awesome!

[@XavierLignieres]

Watched this video and then went ahead and purchased a 500CM with prism finder 80mm 2.8 two backs and strap .... Owning a Hasselblad has been a long time dream for me , never wanted a leica in 35mm (my olympus OM's are plenty enough) but I am sooo excited for the Hassey !

[@tommynikon2283]

And? HOW has it been?- I ask because I’ve used for 41yr.

[@XavierLignieres]

@@tommynikon2283 Really good I just took pictures of the Aurora the other day during the solar storm !

[@zachary4225]

These cameras are just beautifully made!!!

[@6Holtabe9]

Brilliant video! I like that it's not your typical over the top youtuber content while not taking yourself too seriously at the same time. All the information I was looking for is there. Audio quality is impeccable and the setting is great. An all around good job. Cheers chap!

[@harlhequim]

it shows your passion for tthe exelence of the camera, and in the process helped to remind me many things.....after watching the video got out everything hasselblad I own and realize many lenses needs service, also 1 body and 1 back . Got my work cut out for me, but at least is a starting point.

[@chrisbishop9409]

This video just cost me!! I just got my own. Really nicely produced and informative video. Thank you!!!

[@inverseimagephotography5356]

Like an earlier contributer.. I too worked professionally for 12 years using Hassel 500c/m but this video did teach me one thing that I had not known.. that was about the warning for speeds of 1sec to 1/4sec relating to focal plane blind intrusion. I would say too that these speeds are used most with a cable release.. where I think one is even more at risk of releasing prematurely, as when using the button directly one would be inclined to wait for exposure completion and release slowly to avoid camera movement. It was implied that there were no downsides to leaf shutters.. but bare in mind that an exposure at 1/500th at f2.8 on will never be the totally accurate as for a significant portion of the exposure duration a part of the f2.8 diaphram aperture will be obscured bet the shutter blades as they are opening and then closing. Not a problem with focal plane shutters as the gap between leading and trailing blinds is consistently facilitated light rays from the full aperture opening. Great video though, enjoyable and memory invoking. Thanks Jonathan.

[@bobk1234567890]

Thanks ever so much. Really useful. I have a 500EL/M and a 500EL/X. It such a different experience from digital - shooting with a camera that requires thought to operate and has just 12 frames per roll. I really think about composition, depth of field, and choice of filter before I press the shutter. It makes photography much more fun!

[@Der_Marc]

🎉 Thank you Jonathan for the comparison between the models. Best I found so far. Now I have to look for a proper one.

[@EurokaGirl]

Thanks so much for this detailed video. It has been instrumental in helping me understand the Hasselblad system before I go and buy myself one.

[@emanuelbinder4263]

The most comprehensive review on YT. Congratulations from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!

[@stevedigby883]

Thanks. I learned a couple of things I did not know about my C500. This video let me know my camera was made in 1970. They must have made a change sometime late in the production of the C500 because mine does offer interchangeable focusing screens. You thoroughly covered the camera's features, lenses, and some accessories. Well done!

[@vdubs17]

That’s a early c/m. I had one too. Guess they were just using up all the old badges.

[@johnward2964]

Awesome, awesome video. Very comprehensive. Thank you for taking the time to film and post this.

[@guyloughridge4628]

Thanks so much for so much detail. You have covered quite a few areas that are new to me. You have definitely increased my the size of my brain. I appreciate that! This is a special video.

[@Adam-pm1cy]

Excellent, excellent channel - and a great video about the Hasselblad! I got a 503 cw a year ago, and actually got a couple of tips from this video that I did not know - one year after using it! Funny how such a "simple" camera can be so complicated! Looking forward to the next video!

[@genegoranov5865]

You really exude love for photography! Very lovely!

[@barrypage927]

I have the 140 - 280 Macro zoom and I have found it to be an extremely versatile lens and can be used for everything from portraiture through to wildlife.

[@KelseySmithPhotography]

Such a wonderful camera and a great video as always!!

[@alifeinheadphones]

Thank you for taking the time to do this. I've learnt so much.

[@kollegekool]

Hasselblad actually made 30mm f/3.5 fisheye as their widest normally available lens, the widest lens they ever produced for the V system is a 24mm for industrial uses

[@1911geek]

I have seen the 40mm and 38m SWC with out body straight lens to film biogon use for architecture work I use to rent iy

[@sigvardbjorkman]

I'd like a crazy wide lens like that. Distortion is so lovely I think.

[@thomascochrane4922]

The 30mm is a really fun lens to use. They do cost an arm and a leg but we used to hire one when needed. Mind you, if you think Hasselblad lenses are expensive, get a Leica!

[@MrKelseyB]

503cw owner here. Love it! Want to take it digital now.

[@theaustralianchef]

My 501cm just arrived, loved your video. thanks for the info.

[@oliverlison]

Thank you for your passion and putting so much effort into this video. Thinking of purchasing a Hasselblad.

[@thomascochrane4922]

An excellent review. I have the exposure meter winding knob on my 500CM and so I always have an exposure meter!

[@genericperson7266]

Most underrated film channel

[@gui4j]

Owning 2 -00cm and 3cx found it very enjoyable and to my surprise new pretty much everything you covered , thought it was very thorough and comprehensive vlog .. indeed it’s a beautiful camera system very little to be left to be desired with it , can be a lot to take in at first for a novice but once you get to grips with it , it’s beautiful how uncomplicated it can be , beautiful crafted, build quality is a staggering functionality is good and well thought out and fantastic image quality ..

[@username_horse]

I don't own or plan on owning a Hasselblad but this was still very interesting and informative to watch

[@mawavoy]

Great survey! Looking forward to a post on taking photos . Thanks,

[@JonathanNotley]

Check the other videos on my channel, this is the first desk-vid in a while!

[@MrJimckorn]

Carefully thought out video and shows your knowledge and love of Hasselblad If you are not a movie producer you should consider it as a career.

[@MB-or8js]

Great video! Shooting 500 C/M now since 3 years. IMO it is unavoidable at some point to jam and trip the camera no matter how careful I was. Survival hint: always have a Penny (or Cent) in your pocket to manually turn the attachment screw on a lens or extension tube if things go wrong. The camera system is great but has its mechanical quirks. Most common struggle I still have is to quickly insert the dark slide after an exposure was done: hard to find the tiny insert slot.

[@johntazbaz1121]

Why do you reinsert the dark slide after tripping the shutter?

[@MB-or8js]

@@johntazbaz1121 to move the film forward and prepare for the next shot. Too risky to leave the slide out the whole time.

[@johntazbaz1121]

@@MB-or8js Interesting that you mentioned this. I’ve seen many KZbinrs replace the slide after each shot and It baffled me. I didn’t know any professional photographers who did this when I shot professionally during the 80s and 90s. We inserted the slide when it was time to detach the back or at the end of a shoot.

[@MB-or8js]

@@johntazbaz1121 this works well if in a stationary studio environment for example. But the risk of light leak is higher when moving the camera around in changing light conditions.

[@johntazbaz1121]

@@MB-or8js This isn’t accurate. Wedding, engagement, portrait, fashion and commercial shoots were done outdoors. Professional photographers weren’t inserting and removing the dark slide after each frame and light leaks weren’t an issue. If they were, Hasselblads wouldn’t have been so widely used by pros. I shot hundreds of rolls through my 500 c/m since the late 1980s, never had a single light leak because the dark slide wasn’t inserted between shots.

[@byok.lighting]

Such a great video, thank you very much! Highly informative and entertaining!

[@misterstratocaster]

Still have my C/M and ELM. They were my work horse cameras through my portrait studio days.

[@josephasghar]

Great video. A labour of love. Thank you!

[@JonathanNotley]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@msmarji]

Excellent review, if not the best review of Hasselblad V series cameras and lenses. It was Wally Schirra who bought a Hasselblad 500 C since it was recommended to him by photographers from Life and National Geographic. NPR article “The Camera That Went To The Moon And Changed How We See It” by Scott Neuman, July 13, 201912:53 PM ET

[@AlejandroGonzalez-AGS]

I found you recently and subscribed… You are very knowledgeable Jonathan and have a very easy way to explain all things photography the right way in my opinion! I can see your passion…I’m an older dude with plenty of cameras and some experience in this hobby (not Pro) all things considered … keep it coming mate…looking forward to your next one! Stay safe, Cheers..

[@MB-or8js]

Maybe another worthwhile detail to mention is the big advantage that the ocular can be rotated to fit the eyesight diopters in the PM-45 prism viewfinder. Otherwise additional expensive glass inlays for diopter correction have to be used with other Hasselblad prism viewfinder models. Only con I have observed with the PM-45 is that the ocular lens fogs easily in cold weather.

[@philipsmith1465]

Really interesting video thank you for a really simple explanation

[@TL-vt8uk]

Thanks so much for this video. I just acquired one of these cameras and this video was excellent! Cheers!

[@riswanc]

Amazing video! Very most informative and came at the utmost rightest time when i start having interest upping my film camera! Kuddos to you 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@s.p.9262]

Hello Jonathan Excellent overview of the Hasselblad 500 series camera system. I'm retired and shoot a 1968 Chrome 500-C strictly as a hobby. My lense inventory includes several C & T* C lenses, 50mm, 80mm, 150mm, 250mm including a 2X teleconverter. Even though my gear is ancient, it still brings a million dollars worth of satisfaction each and every time it go on a shoot. Keep up the hard work. You're doing a good job. I really enjoyed your presentation.

[@terrywbreedlove]

I have the 503 CXI and 503 CW with 50mm 120mm and 150mm lenses. I love the Hasselblad. I don't use the metered Prism finder preferring a handheld meter. Because my Sekonic spot meter is so accurate and also I will take the Prism Finder off and shoot the waist level from time to time. Which of course doesn't have a meter.

[@stevedobbsphoto]

Super informative Jon. I probably shouldn't have watched it though. I went from maybe wanting to own one to definitely going to get one!

[@ErikRyde]

Can’t wait to eventually pick up one of these for myself!

[@MB-or8js]

I love the Hasselblad-Zeiss CF T* type V-lenses and own 4 of them (50, 60, 80, and 180 mm). Probably the sharpest is the 180 mm lens followed closely by the 50 mm (I have the first version without floating lens element). I found it is difficult to focus correctly at f/2.8 with the 80 mm lens and using the prism viewfinder - probably best to have is a split-focus screen which is hyper expensive now. Only con of V-lenses is their limited number of aperture blades leading to pentagon-like bokeh circles when the lens is stopped down. This can look unique and artistic, but it can also look a bit undesirable. Nice thing is that the V-lenses can potentially be used with adapter on modern digital medium-format cameras, too.

[@garethhayes9982]

Just bought a hasselblad 500c cant wait

[@nazariylevchuk3954]

The 12v thing he talks about at 14:00. Absolutely crazy. Especially for a fully mechanical camera

[@19motya69]

Amazingly informative and really interesting video. Thank you so much! Subscribed 😊

[@JonathanNotley]

Glad you enjoyed

[@jaetok]

Whole time I was like “look at all that gorgeous light behind him, he should be shooting right now!” Lol nice review!

[@JonathanNotley]

I feel guilty if the video takes too long to record because the sun visibly sets behind me aha

[@stasgavrilovru]

I wish I saw this video before I bought my hassy! Thank you! Great video!

[@JonathanNotley]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jacovanlith5082]

The sheetfilm holder is not just for making a test exposure. Dozens of special photographic emulsions were for sale as sheet films, butnot in 120 rollfilm. With the special purpose Hasselblad scissors you had to make your 6x6 cm sheetfilm. There are A32 and A32s backs There is an A 2456 back for 35 mm film. The 70 mm back with double perforatiefilm was for aerial photography, for scientific photography, for medical photography etc. The short extension tubes are great for a closer shot with the Zeiss tele lenses. Two types of Hasselblad Polaroid backs for test shots and instant BW negatives. Mount a Hasselblad 500 C/M body to any 4x5 view camera by a special adapter.

[@kurocamera]

this was awesome!!!! Do one on the Rolleilflex system please please! I've tried most MF cameras & my favorites are the Hassel & Rollei but in the end I prefer the Rollei given it's silent, a TLR & I love the older 10 bladed Rollei lenses. Great work, keep it up!

[@tor2919]

Love the Rolleiflex too but ultimately a completely different camera. The Rolleiflex is not a system camera like the 500CM. I regularly shift between wide angle, normal and telephoto lenses as well as different film backs on my Hasselblad and can't do that on the Rolleiflex. People often compare these two but they're not very comparable other than both shooting 6x6. The comparable Rolleiflex would be the SL66.

[@jean-claudemuller3199]

About backs Divers used the 70 back, having enough frames for each dive These V system cameras work also perfectly with digital back, even with the latest most modern one CFV II 50c

[@devon2430]

Thanks for making this video... Looking forward to the next one. I have a 500c which I never seem to get around to using despite it being my favourite camera. Love it. You have inspired me to dust it off 👍By way of constructive criticism, you're presentation skills are excellent but the close up focusing faff is very annoying.

[@jacovanlith5082]

In the Sixties and Seventies the Hasselblad bodies were for sale without the optic and without the back. The 500 C/M plus a A12 + a A24 and a 50 mm and a 150 mm make a nice set to work with.

[@arturors30]

So much work to do the video! Congrats. 👏👏👏

[@andyvan5692]

Jonathan, one tip with the QR plate, the H-system has this EXACT same rail under them, so you buy this once, for the 500's and can use it for these H cameras (digital) as well.

[@rolleicanon]

Extra good and informative video.

[@travelingtriathlete446]

I got an RB67 instead of the RZ because I wanted a fully mechanical camera like the Hasselblad, but I didn't have Hasselblad money yet, so getting a 500 series is definitely a dream of mine (if for nothing other than the massive reduction in size and weight)

[@jllanesphoto]

Thank you so much. Clarified a lot of thing. Awesome video!

[@iypeabraham9490]

Great video, very detailed and well explained.

[@JonathanNotley]

Much appreciated!

[@ae1program746]

Great video, really informative. Thank you

[@andyvan5692]

at 49:57 one trick is to use the T lever, turn the lever, take the shot, (the T holds the button in), then holding the button in (to ease the cycle, not slap it), return the lever to normal position, then release the button slowly.

[@peterkennedy5596]

This was great. I’ve had hasselblad 500c/m and el/m’s for years. I think it’s time to bring them out and use them. It’s been years.

[@gusatvoschiavon]

thanks now i have all the information that i need to a camera that i will never have the money to buy

[@JP1050x]

Great video. My later serial 500c has interchangeable screens.

[@stevegellas7869]

Great video, great info. Thanks

[@bitspacemusic]

Ah the hazel leaf. I have a 500C/M. My fave lens is the 150/4. It's an anomaly. Really sharp wide open and barely improves at f/5.6 and smaller.

[@peterbarna6151]

Awesome video, thanks!

[@Bighell01]

Hi Jonathan, I worked with the Hasselblad system decades ago (as well as Leica M). In those days my succes scores were almost 1:1 because one took the time to arrange composition and lighting. These days photography is based on clicking and bracketing and chose the right one afrerwards.

[@andyvan5692]

correction, the 30 fisheye is the widest lens!, then the 38 biogon (from the SWC cameras, FIXED lens), then 40 then 50mm (50 = 35mm in 35mm format equivalent), 30 = ~17-21mm in 35 format.

[@NH4Ukraine2]

Marvelous! Thank you.

[@Goldsteinphoto]

I used Hassies early in my career. (Starting in 1973) They take great quality photos. But the lack of instant return mirtor bothered me. The screen was not bright. (I did buy a third party Britescreen) The interlock of F stop and shutter speed selectors is awkward and makes bracketing exposures difficult. Doesn't have 1/3 F click stops. Loading film is slow. The pins that hold the backs on bend. There is a lot of vibration with the mirror and rear light blind. The mechanical connection between body and leaf shutter cocking can get out of sync...locking a lens on. Polaroid back could prevent use of some 90 degree prisms. I switched to the Rollei 6006 system as soon as it came out. Like going from a WWII prop plane to a jet fighter. Just one example: on a Hassie, after your last shot, you wind on and try to take another shot but the camera is locked up...sometimes just as the model has a perfect expression. My assistant had to watch the frame counter and stop me to reload. On the Rollei, the film automatically winds off after the last shot. Then you can just swap in a cheap preloaded film insert...no need to change backs. The film will advance to the first frsme.

[@pzarc]

Just Thanks. It was very useful.

[@mariecamara202]

FAB video thank you sooo much !

[@edwardgrabczewski]

Nice video. I was hoping you'd mention something about the digital back as I know nothing about these. Maybe there's another video somewhere - I'll do a search! :-)

[@bradleyjacobson6551]

I bought a Hasselblad 500C and some backs. I'm looking to by a lens for it. I'm going to start with the 80MM 2.8 and then go from there.

[@rayonline78]

If the back and the body is out of sync and you want to wind the film back without exposing a 2nd double frame. Put the lens cap on and fire and wind the crank.

[@jacovanlith5082]

You have to correct: "the test exposure with the single exposure back for high budget shoots". During the heyday period of the analog photography Kodak produced 50 different types of sheet films. A rather small quantity of Kodak films was produced as the series of 120 spool (B2) films. Hasselblad had a special pair of scissors to clip a piece of 6 x 6 cm heet film out of a 4 x 5 sheet film, to fill the single exposure back with.

[@inter-linked]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@danielnuckle8273]

The best vidéo i see on Hasselblad tank you

[@DavidBerglund]

Fantastic video! You lifted something up when you started to load the film (the roll was supposed to go across and under it). Did you do something ti lower this afterwards does that happen automatically? I hope this question makes sense. :)

[@DavidBerglund]

Ah, it's the pressure plate. At 30:30.

[@DavidBerglund]

And it automatically lowers down when you put it back in the mag, right?

[@oudviola]

Very helpful as I am considering getting into this system, and good to know the quirks. I use a Bronica GS-1, which has electronics and different quirks, am thinking of getting Hassie for the glass. One question, did I miss a discussion of the prism viewfinders? I skipped the first 15 minutes of history, maybe it was there?

[@aredesuyo]

It seems like there are so many ways to break these things, I wish I had bought one when it was still easy to obtain an unused one.

[@renee-claudetanguay9738]

Been looking to purchase one for a bit now, and can’t seem to locate one.

[@jamespowers8826]

Great camera. Just don't forget your dark slides (ask me how I know).